Lawyer found burned to death for case sabotage attempt in Tamil Nadu

NAGERCOIL: A lawyer’s charred body was discovered in a shocking case of murder and arson in Sathyankulakkara, Bhimanagari, Tamil Nadu. Advocate Christopher Sophie (50), a resident of Thakkala Kumarapuram, was allegedly killed by Ishaki Muthu (40) from Tirupatisaram on suspicion that the lawyer was attempting to sabotage a case. The body was found in an unrecognizable state by locals early on Thursday morning, who promptly informed the police.

Inspector Anp Prakash of Aruvamozhi and his team arrived at the scene, launching an investigation which included CCTV analysis. Footage revealed Ishaki Muthu giving Advocate Christopher a ride on his bike, which led authorities to arrest him. During interrogation, Muthu admitted that he had taken Sophie’s life, fearing the lawyer’s intentions might compromise his ongoing legal case.

According to Muthu’s statement, Sophie had been representing him in a property dispute. However, when Sophie began inquiring about the details and purpose of the case, Muthu grew suspicious that the lawyer was aligning with the defense. Muthu claimed that Sophie’s alleged reluctance to hand over certain critical documents, including property papers, prompted him to act.

The crime reportedly unfolded when Sophie visited Muthu seeking a plantain sapling. Muthu offered to take him to retrieve it and the two set off on a bike. Once they reached a secluded area in Bhimanagari, Muthu allegedly attacked the lawyer, subsequently setting his body on fire using petrol from his vehicle.